Transfer Window: Day 27

With only five days until the January window slams shut, City are linked with a mid-season defensive swoop from title rivals Arsenal in today’s transfer murmurings…

The Daily Star reports that the Blues are plotting a backline-bolstering bid for Gunner’s fullback Bacary Sagna with the 30 year old French star’s contract up at the end of the season.

David Woods believes that “City could yet move for a player they have tried to sign twice before.

“Sagna turned them down in the past because he wanted to stay loyal to the Gunners, but is now ready to consider a new challenge.

“If City do land the right-back he will be the fifth Arsenal star to be lured north after fellow France internationals Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri, as well as Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure.”

Well, we’ve always said it’s better up north.

Elsewhere, the Daily Mail provide a handy round-up of possible Premier League incomings and outgoings with Friday's deadline looming, and apparently “City’s main objective is to bring in a centre back but Eliaquim Mangala at Porto is over-priced and Pepe at Real Madrid is not being released. West Ham would still be keen to sign Joleon Lescott”.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez is keen for dependable midfielder Gareth Barry to make his move from the Etihad Stadium a permanent one once the England star’s loan from City concludes at the end of the season.

"He is a unique footballer. When he came here, I wanted him to be very important for Everton, to enjoy his football.

"He is enjoying his football. He is an incredible leader. All I want is for him to keep doing this until the end of the season and then, in my eyes, he should be helping England in the World Cup."

And finally, following yesterday’s FA Cup fifth round draw that will see another mouthwatering Etihad date with the Blues pitted against Chelsea, Jose Mourinho believes all the pressure is on City who’ve been imperious at home this season.

“We are going to go there with a good attitude, and nothing to lose. They have everything to lose”, he told The Express.

“They are the team that was made to win. They have to feel now the same thing I was feeling *at Chelsea) in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 - ‘we are the best team by far - we have to win and if we don’t, it’s because we did something wrong’.”

City take on Sunderland in the Premier League on Wednesday 12 February in what will be a dress rehearsal for the Capital One Cup Final in March.

Can the Blues avenge the Stadium of Light defeat earlier this season? A night match under the lights at the Etihad and a preview of the forthcoming final - demand is expected to be high as Manuel Pellegrini's side attempt to continue their incredible run.